Plans to build up to 350 new homes in Tudhoe have been approved despite concerns the area lacks the infrastructure to support the development, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The application by developer Banks was backed by Durham County Council’s planning committee – but residents questioned whether the extra housing is needed.
Located on land to the north of York Hill Road in Tudhoe, the hybrid proposal sought planning permission for two phases: 45 homes in the first phase and a potential further 305 homes.
Yet, locals had warned about the increased traffic the housing would create, the impact on GP and school capacity, and the overdevelopment of the wider Spennymoor area.
Liz Maddison, committee member and county councillor for Spennymoor, said: “What benefits does this development offer to [the area]?.
“Spennymoor and Tudhoe are being targeted to meet County Durham’s housing needs, not for the benefit of residents.”
More than £1.6 million of funding will be delivered to support schools, healthcare and sports – but Cllr Maddison warned that it did not mitigate for the loss of land.
“We don’t want or need anymore new homes,” she told the committee. “We already have brownfield sites prepared and waiting for a developer; why couldn’t this be there rather than on open countryside? We have no housing shortage in Spennymoor and Tudhoe divisions.”
Liberal Democrat member Mark Wilkes also voted against the proposal due to road safety concerns. He said: “A blind man on a galloping horse would see that it’s not safe. It seems nonsensical that someone would bring such a design and we would allow it.”
Despite the concerns, Durham County Council’s planning department had recommended the plans be approved to address the region’s “outstanding housing need”.
The developer added: “The York Hill Road proposals represent a high-quality, sustainable development that complies with local and national policy and will assist Durham County Council’s housing land supply position, with the delivery of market and affordable housing in the short term.”
Backing the plans, Reform’s James Stephenson said: “This is a good proposal. The county needs 350 houses.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
